Bicuspid Aortic Foundation

This is an exciting time for those bicuspid aortic valve and thoracic aortic disease! There has never been more hope that greater understanding will lead to more individualized care.

Researchers in the Molecular Genetics and Cardiac Regeneration Laboratory at the University of Ottawa are making ground breaking discoveries. They are able to mirror the human experience with BAV in mice with specific genetic defects, and because this is possible, there is a great deal that can be learned.

We know today that not everyone with BAV or TAD and their family members have the same experience. There is currently just not enough knowledge to determine who is at the most risk. This is why what someone may be told at some point and what actually happens to them over time may be quite different.

The most immediate impact from this research will be the identification of biomarkers, predictive tools that can be used to test for and prevent the secondary events that endanger lives. This would allow for individual, personalized care.

Dr. Sharo Raissi, BAF, Jacques Fremont, President, U of Ottawa, Lara Gharibeh, PhD, Arlys Velebir, BAF, Mona Nemer, Phd, Molecular Genetics & Cardiac Regeneration Lab and  Chief Scientist of Canada

In 2017, BAF awarded a scholarship in memory of pioneering physician M.E. Abbott to Lara Gharibeh in support of her research on bicuspid aortic valve and aortic disease. Lara received her PhD during this time and her important findings were published in Circulation.  

BAF has just granted a 2018 M.E. Abbott Scholarship to Alice Lau, Ph D, also a researcher in this same lab whose work is focused on aortic disease in the chest.  

This is the first specific research effort that the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation is explicitly adopting to directly support.  I have recently returned from visiting this laboratory, meeting Lara and Alice, Dr. Nemer, and so many others at the University of Ottawa. There is great promise as these brilliant researchers combine their efforts with other scientists and clinicians, taking on the BAV/TAD challenges that continue to threaten both the quality and length of human life. 

These scholarships are possible because of your generous support of our search for answers.  We are grateful for your caring support in any amount. 

Thank you so much, Arlys Velebir, Bicuspid Aortic Foundation